286-296 Cruiser

A well-styled cruiser by the standards of her day, the 296 Cruiser was Monterey’s first entry into the highly competitive market for 30-foot sterndrive family weekenders. (Called the 286 Cruiser in 1993–94, the cockpit was revised in 1995 when she became the 296 Cruiser.) Hull construction is solid fiberglass, and her deep-V bottom provides a stable, comfortable ride in most weather conditions. The interior of the 296 is arranged in the usual fashion with double berths fore and aft, a convertible dinette, enclosed head and shower, and generous storage. Two bench seats in the mid-cabin provide seating, and between them is a fold-down table that converts the seats into the roomiest berth in the boat. Originally designed with a single helm chair, a double helm seat (with an aft-facing bench seat) became standard in 1995. Additional features include a walk-through windshield, a wide swim platform with fender racks, good main cabin headroom, a sport arch, and a molded bow platform. Among several sterndrive engine options, twin 250hp Volvos cruise in the high 20s and reach a top speed in excess of 40 knots. Note that the 140-gallon fuel capacity is pretty slim for a 29-foot boat.